9 Ways to Channel the Industrial Boho Design Trend at Home
Equal parts eclectic and industrial.
If you're looking for an aesthetic that feels chic and lived-in, industrial boho is a design trend you might want to consider. Blending elements from industrial and boho styles, with this trend you get a rich mix of weathered metal, free-spirited patterns, organic materials, and utilitarian appeal. This unexpected combination finds its footing in the shared appreciation of rustic textures, reclaimed wood, and neutral tones.
We've compiled a list of simple ways to recreate this design trend at home. From layered area rugs to iron light fixtures, keep reading to find tips that'll help you achieve the industrial boho look.
Tip!
Get a grasp on industrial style by reading our guide What Is Industrial Design? Your Ultimate Guide to Industrial Style.
1. Follow Function
Despite its more eclectic edge, industrial boho still takes a utilitarian approach to furniture. This "function over form" perspective focuses on silhouettes that serve a purpose, so opt for furniture that is comfortable and functional for your lifestyle.
This utilitarian attitude also applies to the materials you choose. Industrial design emphasizes the importance of long-lasting durability, often prioritizing materials like iron, leather, and wood for their more practical qualities. Boho style favors natural finishes and cozy textiles, allowing you to soften the harsher aspects of industrial style with hand-woven wool rugs, leafy houseplants, and reclaimed wood.
Since industrial boho spaces already include bold features like exposed brick, hardwood flooring, and steel-framed windows, it's important to not overwhelm the eye with too many busy colors. Industrial boho interior design uses neutrals to create an earth-inspired palette full of rich browns, grays, and taupes. You can incorporate other earthy tones like blue, green, ochre, and red to add warmth and vibrancy.
Whether you live in an industrial loft or simply love the style, there's a good chance you're working with cement or hardwood floors that feel cool underfoot. Rolling out a soft rug can invite warmth to your space in both the tactile and visual sense. To draw on the rustic intersection between the boho and industrial, go for a rug with a Southwestern-inspired prints or supple hand-knotted construction.
Layering rich textures is key to softening the more angular parts of industrial boho style. Rustic materials like faux fur, leather, suede, and wool bring dimension to the space and provide that lived-in feel that boho spaces cultivate. Keep woven throw blankets nearby to cozy up with, or layer a faux cowhide over a hand-knotted rug for an eclectic combination of textures.
With this aesthetic, industrial-style lighting adds the right amount of old-school charm and timeless craftsmanship to balance out any eclectic boho pieces in your space. The clean-lined design and sturdy metal construction of industrial fixtures also adds a sculptural feel overhead. To further play up an industrial edge, choose fixtures with clear glass shades and vintage-inspired Edison bulbs.
Both halves of industrial boho find inspiration in the past, so mixing old and new plays a key role in achieving this design style. Industrial aesthetics lean into retro-inspired styles, while boho spaces thrive on curating pieces across different times and regions. This thoughtful mix bridges the gap between the two styles and cultivates a deeply unique and personal feel.
No boho space would feel complete without some greenery. Not only do plants improve the quality of your space thanks to their mood-boosting and air-purifying qualities, they also add a bright and lively element that brings a biophilic feel to converted lofts. Leafy, trailing, and feathery houseplants add organic movement to contrast a metropolitan industrial space.
From bookcases to window trim to light fixtures, matte black finishes add an effortlessly industrial feel. Choose different pieces of furniture or decor in the same finish to create a cohesive look (like in the photo above). Balance out the sleek finish with plenty of leafy houseplants, wicker baskets, or vintage-inspired decor.
